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Sewing Pattern Copyright Question

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cycler

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? NY
There is so much misinformation online that I am hoping to get a definitive answer. While I realize that it is illegal to copy a pattern itself for resale some say that it is also illegal to sell an item created from a purchased pattern and some say that it isn't.

And that isn't the only issue. Many different companies produce identical patterns for a piece of clothing so how does any one of them claim proprietary rights to a design?

For example - a pocketbook pattern is simply 2 rectangles connected by a straight piece. If someone was to cut one freehand but it happened to match the exact dimensions of an existing pattern are they violating a copyright of something that they've never seen if they sell that pocketbook?

What about using a piece from one pattern and another piece from a different one to create a garment? If it does still violate Copyright Law how much does the design need to be changed to be legally sellable?
 



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